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Ge Gen (葛根), the root of Pueraria (kudzu), releases the muscle layer and exterior, relieves stiffness of the neck and upper back, vents rashes, generates fluids to relieve thirst, and raises Spleen yang to stop diarrhoea.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Pueraria lobata (Radix Puerariae)
Common English Name
Kudzu root
Taste
Sweet, acrid
Temperature
Cool
Channels Entered
Spleen, Stomach
Actions & Functions
- Releases the exterior and the muscle layer; relieves stiff, painful neck and upper back
- Vents rashes (measles)
- Generates fluids and relieves thirst
- Raises Spleen yang and stops diarrhoea
Indications
Exterior patterns with stiffness and pain of the neck and upper back; early-stage measles; thirst and wasting-thirsting disorder; and diarrhoea or dysentery from heat or Spleen deficiency.
Dosage
6-15 g in decoction.
Common Combinations
With Gui Zhi and Bai Shao for wind-cold with a stiff neck; with Huang Qin and Huang Lian for damp-heat diarrhoea.
Cautions & Contraindications
Use with caution where the exterior is deficient with much sweating.
